Day 36: 1 John 4:9

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him”



Notice a very interesting thing that John is saying about why Jesus came into the world and what it says about God.


John says that Jesus came into the world so that we could live through Him, and that shows the love of God. What does that mean?


First, lets tackle that part about living through Jesus. I believe there are two undertones on “life” here. First, when we believe in Jesus Christ, we have eternal life. This is truly living. We no longer face an eternity separated from our Creator and Redeemer. Through Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross, we live.


Second, though, is an even more interesting note with implications in this life. Our life in Christ is different. It is more fulfilling, because it’s lived in tune with how God made the world; and there is purpose, because through Christ’s death and resurrection we are now free to serve God. This is living as well. In fact, if you read Colossians 3 you find that your life is “hidden” with Christ; people should no longer see you, but Jesus. When Jesus is revealed, Paul says there in Colossians, then you will be revealed again as well.


What both Paul and John are saying is that as a Christian, our life is now lived through Jesus. We have a new filter that we should put everything we do through: Jesus.


The Christian leader should ask themselves what makes a leader worth following. I would answer that it is this very principle: That they live their lives through Christ, rather than through themselves. We already tried living through ourselves, and it didn’t work so well. We are worth following because we no longer live for ourselves but for Jesus, and He knows how to live life so much better than us.


When people look at us they should be seeing Jesus. Our actions, our speech, and our leadership should just ooze Jesus. That’s what it means to live through Christ. It’s no longer our life, it’s no longer our power, and it’s no longer our way. It’s Jesus.


CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader lives their life through Christ, rather than themselves. This makes them a leader worth following.


Here are some verses to Meditate on Today: Colossians 3:1-17


Prayer: Father, help me to live my life through Jesus Christ. I belong to Him. I don’t want to do things my own way anymore. Make me a leader worth following. In Christ’s name, amen